The Varieties of European Political Ideologies and Political

The Varieties of European Political Ideologies and Political Parties Comparative European Politics Dr. Brunell Gonzaga University

Learning Objectives • To understand the political ideological spectrum As it exists in Europe As it differs from the US

****In US terms

US 2016: broader than usual

But still different than Europe Why? Different political histories Monarchy Empire Church Different bases of citizenship Esp. ethnonationalism Jus sanguinis Different political institutions Esp. parliamentary systems

Political Ideologies in Europe LEFT • Values social security for all over individual/corporate freedom to amass wealth • Larger role for state in providing for social justice • Tends to be more secular, for strong separation of church and state RIGHT • Values family, church, nation; traditionalism • Often in favor of having an established church and/or special treatment for traditionally most significant church(es) and discrimination against nontraditional religious groups. • Patriotism, strong defense of nation.

Range of Political Ideologies

What does “liberal” mean in Europe? For individual freedom For free markets Opposed to aristocracy, monarchy Secular, anti-religious, religious intervention in public affairs Occupies the center on political spectrum between leftists/socialists and rightists/conservatives

Range of Political Ideologies of Parties in European Parliaments Riksdag before 2014 Elections Riksdag after 2014 Elections

Danish Folketing 2011 election results

Brunell’s Result on Political Ideology Quiz

Brunell’s Results on Political Ideology Quiz

Brunell’s Results on Political Ideology Quiz

Brunell’s Results on Political Ideology Quiz

Political Compass

• Click here for a very good explanation of US system on four part typology • And an example of how ignorant most Americans are of political ideology as revealed by the question asked.